Pressing Seams Open - ouch
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 1,398
Pressing Seams Open - ouch
I hate pressing seams open, but this pattern calls for just that. My problem is in trying to open them so I can press them open and flat. I always burn my fingers. Any suggestions?
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
They make silicon finger protectors:
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...al+thimbles.do
You can also use a small piece of wood, like a tongue depressor, a short wood ruler etc. Another alternative is to finger press the seam open first.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...al+thimbles.do
You can also use a small piece of wood, like a tongue depressor, a short wood ruler etc. Another alternative is to finger press the seam open first.
Last edited by PaperPrincess; 09-20-2015 at 07:39 AM.
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I use one of those wooden irons to at least get the seams opened.
http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=710
http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=710
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,131
In addition to the answer Kitsie gave you, I am using a wooden dowell about the size of a closet pole cut in half lengthwise to put under the seam, keeps from disturbing the surrounding seams. For a short seam in a block, a length of dowell about 8" works. For a quilt top all put together, a 4' length is adequate. Some people enclose the dowell in a fabric sleeve and close the ends, but I use the wood bare and it has not discolored light fabric. I learned about the dowell from Mrs. Darkow of Washington Stars Quilt Guild.
#8
That is the number one reason I don't use steam. Unless I actually touch my fingers with the iron, I no longer burn them.
I use to sew mostly clothing (and I sewed almost every day) and if I had to keep my figures up close, I'd turn off the steam until I got that part done, then I'd turn the steam back on.
I really like the elnan's idea with the dowel, though a ironing ham would work too.
I use to sew mostly clothing (and I sewed almost every day) and if I had to keep my figures up close, I'd turn off the steam until I got that part done, then I'd turn the steam back on.
I really like the elnan's idea with the dowel, though a ironing ham would work too.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,557
I use the curved end of a cuticle pusher tool from a manicure set, like this one.
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/sanhesun/S14004-3.jpg
Best use of a stocking stuffer yet!
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/sanhesun/S14004-3.jpg
Best use of a stocking stuffer yet!
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